APRIL 18, 2012

On Tax Day 2012, a 90 percent high school graduation rate would yield $1.8 billion annually in additional tax revenues, report finds

WASHINGTON, DC – In advance of Tax Day 2012, a new analysis from the Alliance for Excellent Education finds that graduating 90 percent of high school students would generate an additional $1.8 billion annually in tax revenues. Of that total, $1.1 billion would be federal tax revenue while the remainder—nearly $700 million—would be state and local revenue. In Arizona, meeting that goal would boost state and local tax revenues by $13 million.

“In these tight fiscal times, governments at all levels are leaving money on the table by not graduating students from high school,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. “When students earn high school diplomas, they become more marketable in today’s highly competitive job market, while the higher earnings they pocket translate into increased tax revenues—all without any increase in the tax rate. It’s a win-win.”

Based on March 2012 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for high school dropouts is 12.6 percent, compared to 8 percent for high school graduates and 4.2 percent for college graduates. When employed, high school dropouts earn about $8,000 less annually, compared to high school graduates.

According to the Averaged Freshman Graduation Rate (AFGR) calculated by the U.S. Department of Education, Arizona has a high school graduation rate of 72.5 percent, 17.5 percentage points below the 90 percent goal set by Grad Nation and envisioned in this analysis.* Raising Arizona’s graduation rate to 90 percent as determined by AFGR would mean ensuring that an additional 15,047 students earn their diplomas.

“Tax policy usually finds two groups, those in favor of tax hikes and those in favor of tax cuts, debating about which direction taxes should take,” Wise said. “Unfortunately, there is not enough discussion about this third direction—graduating more students from high school. The U.S. Congress is constantly concerned about long-term deficit reduction, but as this analysis shows, decisions on how to close budget gaps and build a strong economy must begin with ensuring better educational outcomes for the nation’s students.”
The complete analysis is available at all4ed.org/files/TaxDay2012.

The Alliance for Excellent Education is a Washington, DC-based national policy and advocacy organization that works to improve national and federal policy so that all students can achieve at high academic levels and graduate from high school ready for success in college, work, and citizenship in the twenty-first century. For more information about the Alliance for Excellent Education, please visit all4ed.org.

APRIL 18, 2012

2012 BBB Business Ethics Awards finalists announced

PHOENIX – Better Business Bureau (BBB) announces the 15 Arizona companies selected as finalists for the 2012 BBB Business Ethics Awards sponsored by Wells Fargo. Five of the 15 companies will be named winners in their category during the awards dinner and ceremony on Thursday, May 17 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.

The BBB Business Ethics Awards were established in 2002 by BBB Foundation to recognize outstanding businesses that maintain a solid commitment to ethics and trust. TV and radio personality Pat McMahon will serve as the master of ceremonies for the seventh year in a row, and Fiesta Bowl Executive Director Robert Shelton will deliver the keynote address. Nearly 400 business and community leaders will celebrate ethics during the May 17 awards dinner starting at 6 p.m.

APRIL 11, 2012

Business to Business

Schedule your Air Conditioning System Spring Tune-up and The Comfort Team guarantees your system will not fail during the summer months or they will fix it for free. Call Air Conditioning By Jay’s Comfort Team 480-266-3678 for details.

Ray's Pizza offers the best New York style pizza, delicious sandwiches, wings and pasta and more. Try their online ordering service. It is fast and easy for pick-up or delivery. Call 623-581-3177 or visit rayspizzaaz.com. Stop in at 3134 W Carefree Hwy, #6, Phoenix.

EcoBlu Pools has over 30 years experience building custom pools and spas. EcoTerra Landscapes designs hardscapes too. Transform your backyard into an oasis with a spa, new hardscape design, soothing water feature, pond or even a BBQ island. Call 480-626-8200.

Make plans to visit Mojito Cigar Lounge to personally check out their great cigar selection. Open 7 days a week. The word “Lounge” is the key. Located in the Shops at Dove Valley, 4705 E. Carefree Hwy. Call 480-595-PUFF or visit their website at www.MojitoCigarLounge.com.